First Apartment Woes- How To Help!

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For those that just graduated college and are embarking on renting or purchasing their first apartment, navigating this can be an exciting but also intimidating time. As a first-timer, there are several mistakes that are made and it would be wise to make sure that you can avoid making them. What are these common mistakes that many people make and how can you be as prepared as possible? Below are a few of them:

Renting Unseen

There is nothing wrong with looking at online listings to find your perfect apartment. 

However before you sign on the dotted line, you really should take a look at what’s available in person. Despite the gorgeous terrace overlooking the city or the 5 star kitchen, you might not be looking at the BIG picture.

The poster/ ad/listing for the apartment might have been chosen to omit any of the unit’s issues. 

Nothing kills the excitement of finding your dream apartment to realize it isn’t all that you’d hoped it would be. 

They say that photos speak a thousand words, but it’s super important to visit the apartment to see what the building or complex amenities are, if there are any intense smells or if the apartment is in a good area—all of these are important things to factor into your potential apartment. 

Ideally, it would be wise to check twice, during the day and at night. It’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Ignoring Damage

When you arrive, look very thoroughly throughout the entire apartment. Take photos of any damage that you might find even if it might be insignificant. 

As a renter, if there is any damage, you don’t want to be the one who is liable for it. 

Make sure that you provide those photos prior to moving in. Having photographic evidence could help prove that you did not do the damage but you might still end up having to be charged a cleaning or repair bill so don’t risk not being able to get your security deposit return back because of something you did not do. 

Skimming The Fine Print

When everyone says to ‘read everything’ they truly mean to read every single thing.

While this is a tedious thing to do, you do not want to end up blindsided because of something you skimmed and agreed on without really looking at the fine print. 

For example, some apartments allow you to have dogs as an indoor pet but in the fine print, it may state that there is a certain weight or bred restriction that you didn’t notice before.

 Some also have guests that can stay longer than a night or two. 

Again, each apartment complex and Landlord might be different so really make sure that you read the fine print and that you take the opportunity to ask as many questions as possible before signing anything. 

Moving In Without Essentials

As a first-time owner or renter, it’s incredible to think of all the items you’ll need at a basic level to survive. 

Purchasing all sorts of new things just to cook a meal in your apartment like cookware, silverware, seasonings, bowls, and more might be overwhelming at first. 

Also, factoring in bedding, clothes hangers, storage options, toiletries and more can seem like a lot but they are basic essentials to make your place a home. 

Before you commit to a place, be prepared to either gather these essentials all at once or live without them for a bit. 

Take a look at what friends are willing to give away or take a look at Facebook Marketplace for what others are selling in your area to get a good deal on a few of these essentials while you are starting out.

Once you become more established you can upgrade and update these down the road.

Image: Ben Harris Atlanta Real Estate

Now is the time to look for some great places you want the best to help you find only the best for you. Ben Harris Atlanta Real Estate is the one you want to call to help you hit all your points and ideas. With various townhomes and 1010 midtown condos in the Atlanta area, he is sure to work with luxury and treat his clients with VIP services.